Group wants to reach goal to fix cats in E. Toledo

Humane Ohio is continuing efforts to spay/neuter cats in the 43605 zip code, which is mostly in East Toledo.

The non-profit group wants to reach its goal of fixing up to 1,400 cats in the area covered by the zip code, according to Jill Borkowski, marketing manager of the group.

“The special spay/neuter program for the 43605 zip code has been ongoing since 2007 and will continue until it reaches 1,400,” said Borkowski. “We’ve fixed about 600 so far, so we have approximately 800 to go.” The clinic will spay or neuter stray and feral cats for free. Strays and ferals must be in a humane trap, and will receive an ear tip, a tag that identifies them as fixed. The clinic charges just $25 to fix owned cats. Financial assistance is available for those who need it. Humane traps are available from Humane Ohio for a $45 deposit, which is fully refunded when the trap is returned.

“If the cat is a friendly stray, or an owned cat and the person does not have a carrier, they need to let Humane Ohio know that when they schedule their appointment. We can bring empty carriers on our transport,” said Borkowski.

The group started its East Toledo marketing campaign in mid-October to remind the public about the promotion and to make sure that people from the 43605 zip code take advantage of the offer, said Borkowski.

Those who want the service must first call Humane Ohio at 419-266-5607 to make an appointment to take the cat to the group’s clinic at 5333 Secor Road, between W. Laskey and Alexis roads, or to make plans to drop it off at the East Toledo Family Center to be transported to the clinic.

Those who want the service must first call Humane Ohio at 419-266-5607 to make an appointment. The public will have the option of taking the cat to Humane Ohio's clinic at 5333 Secor Road, between W. Laskey and Alexis roads, or dropping it off at the East Toledo Family Center where Humane Ohio's transport service will take the cat to and from their clinic on certain days throughout the months of December and January.

Throughout this month, Humane Ohio has scheduled five transports, said Borkowski. More are scheduled in January.

“We’ve been working hard to make sure people know about the transports,” said Borkowski. “We can take about 30 cats on each transport, so if we fill all of the transports, we’ll fix 150 cats this month alone.”

Space is still available on upcoming transports.

The free transports to and from the clinic are unique to the 43605 zip code, said Borkowski.

“We have not offered these special rates or free transports in any other neighborhoods,” she said. A grant allows the group to offer special rates, she said.

“We chose to focus all of our grant money on 43605 because Toledo Area Humane Society statistics show that the greatest number of cats surrendered to their shelter comes from this area. By spaying/neutering the strays and owned cats in that area, we can make a difference in the number of stray cats in that neighborhood. We can also reduce the number of unwanted cats that are surrendered to area animal shelters/rescue groups and help reduce stress and financial burden on these organizations,” said Borkowski.

The overpopulation of cats is a national problem, said Borkowski. It accounts for the high number of homeless and feral (wild) cats struggling to survive on their own.

“Cat overpopulation is a nationwide problem, and almost every neighborhood has stray cats,” said Borkowski.

Finances, transportation and myths about spay and neuter are among the reasons people choose not to get their pets fixed, even though it’s the only way to control the overpopulation of cats and dogs.

In addition to reducing overpopulation, spaying and neutering offer health benefits to cats and dogs.

A spayed female won’t go into heat and will stop yowling, frequent urination and discharge. Neutered males are usually better behaved and will not feel the need to mark their territory. A neutered male won’t be as inclined to roam in search of a mate. Roaming animals can cause vehicular accidents and scare children. Plus, the cost to have your pet spayed or neutered at Humane Ohio’s low-cost clinic is a lot less than the cost to have and care for a litter.

The group can offer low-cost spay/neuter prices because private donations and grants help subsidize the true, higher cost of spay/neuter procedures, she said.

“We believe that all animals should receive the highest quality veterinary care possible,” she said.

The clinic uses state of the art instruments and equipment. All surgeries are performed by qualified, licensed veterinarians and every patient receives a brief physical exam and quality pain medication. Humane Ohio has fixed 20,000 animals since 2002, including 8,700 this year alone, said Borkowski.